Springfield, IL … State Representative Michael McAuliffe and the Illinois General Assembly approved a new budget deal Wednesday night that ensures critical state programs and services remain open to serve Illinois residents.

“While this budget deal is not the most ideal, it is the best option we have available to us at the moment. It stabilizes funding for human service providers and gives us a little more time to work on fiscal and ethical reforms without raising taxes,” said McAuliffe.

The budget legislation prevents threatened deep cuts to human service providers, meets the state’s pension obligation for this year and keeps state government functioning. Correctional facilities will continue to operate, state troopers will be on the roads and schools and universities will open on time.

The budget also requires lawmakers to take 12 unpaid furlough days in addition to the salary freeze they approved earlier this year.

“Times are tough right now for everyone. Several businesses recently implemented salary freezes and unpaid days, it’s only fair that state government do the same,” he said.

Even though the budget passed, McAuliffe said reforms need to continue to be a top priority for state government.

“We need to focus on fiscal responsibility and change the way the state spends money. We also need to set reforms that truly make government transparent and open to all residents. Illinois families deserve to know their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent wisely,” said McAuliffe.

For more information, contact Rep. McAuliffe’s district office at (773) 792-0749.